What is the difference between public and private school?
Students in public school receive an education with some parental input. At a private school, the program is designed around the children. Private school tuition can be funded through the state of Florida if the child has an IEP that has been in place for one school year. The John McKay Scholarship applies to students with an active IEP whose parents decide they want to make another choice for their child's education. Essentially, the money follows the child to the private school to pay the tuition. More information about the McKay Scholarship can be found
at www.floridaschoolchoice.org.
Do the children have homework/projects to complete at home?
Our younger elementary students receive a daily reading assignment, even if it is to listen to a story we provide. As children progress, the homework increases with their ability to work independently.
Our older students receive a list on Mondays with the week’s homework for each subject, which should take 30 min to an hour nightly. The child is able to work at his/her own pace through it, so if every Tues., the child has sports, or Wed. is church, the child is able to plan his time. Also projects are completed in class and/or at home. Our policy on homework is that it is independent practice of skills that have already been taught. It is to improve mastery of a skill. It also gives parents an idea of the topics and level that the child is working on.
What system of communication do you use with parents?
As a small school, Edline is not an option. Next year, we are considering Trackmygrades.com, which is a less expensive, similar program. However, this year we opted for yellow homework folders that are signed daily.
What standardized tests do you use annually to assess your students?
Assessment is ongoing through the use of Running Records, FCAT released tests in reading, math, science, and writing, and curriculum based assessments. Standardized testing includes the WRAT4 and the BASI, which is a computer based standardized test created by Pearson Assessments, a nationally recognized organization. We also utilize the scores from the portions of the FCAT released tests to demonstrate growth.
What grading system do you use?
We use the same grading system as Polk County Schools, 90-100 is an A, etc. We utilize weights for the different areas of “assessment,” including class work, homework, participation, projects/reports, weekly quizzes, and chapter tests. This allows students to demonstrate their abilities in different manners. Testing accommodations are utilized as needed, including oral testing with documentation, extended time, reduced items, etc.
What are your standards for accepting students? Are there students you will not accept because of the severity of their disabilities?
During the application process, we discuss the parents’ perception of the child’s abilities. It is often more accurate than the IEP. We also review school and medical records as provided by the parents. Then the child will visit the school so that we can determine appropriate placement. Most of the instruction takes place in small groups based on ability and grade level. The teachers are very familiar with the important, research-based interventions, including the direct instruction of social skills.
Every child is teachable. Monarch is not the best place for every child. But we will be as upfront as we can in regards to our capabilities to serve your child.
Can you tell me what curriculum you use in each of the subject areas?
The majority of our curriculum is created by SRA, a leading research-based publisher approved by the State of Florida for use in the classroom.
Our younger classes utilize Reading Rocks, Explode the Code, and multiple other programs to develop functional reading skills. Reading Rocks takes a visual-motor approach to reading, which allows a nonverbal child to demonstrate comprehension! These classes also use SRA's Connecting Math, Reasoning and Writing, and Language for Thinking. All of these programs are direct instruction and build receptive and expressive language and critical thinking skills, while building academic skills as well.
Middle and High School
*English-SRA’s Expressive Writing and SRA’s Reasoning and Writing, in addition to Six Traits as assessed by FCAT rubric.
*Math-SRA’s Connecting Math, SRA’s Prealgebra, and because our students are primarily visual learners, we also utilize Math Advantage software that is projected for a group tutorial and review. We also utilize Buckledown workbooks for review because they are based on Sunshine State Standards.
*Reading-Utilizing the 5 areas of reading as well as requirements of SSS, students utilize novels and functional literature to improve decoding, phonemic awareness, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. At this stage of their education, our primary focus is vocabulary and comprehension of grade level material or above. Many of our students with AS read above level. We also utilize Reading A-Z for leveled books and practice.
*Science-We utilize Houghton-Mifflin for Science, as well as a Teen Health program. Following the guidelines of SSS, we provide a hands-on approach to scientific study. We have an amazing collection of digital microscopes and scientific equipment to enhance curiosity and utilize the scientific method. We We also utilize Buckledown’s Science Workbook for additional practice.
*Social Studies-We utilize Houghton Mifflin with an emphasis on World and American History for upper elementary and middle schoolers, incorporating geography with history, making it more meaningful. There are many hands-on, relevant projects related to social studies as well.
*Character development/Social skills- Skillstreaming, Me-ville to We-ville, Social stories, and role playing, as well as a curriculum designed specifically for students with AS, breaking down the steps of different interactions.
How often are IEPs revisited?
IEPs are documents dictated by federal law. Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), as governed by federal law, gives the student rights in public school. As a private school, we are not able to participate in the writing of an IEP, nor does it have to be followed by private schools. The Safeguards for Private School Students are available at http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/procedural.pdf . Monarch believes that the IEP is a good start. From there, we do our own academic and behavioral assessments, then our team meets to establish a Strategic Academic Plan (SAP) based on the needs of the student and guided by Sunshine State Standards. Examples of those are available for you to see. If you choose to return to public school, the child will return to the previous status under FAPE and an IEP will be rewritten by the public school.
Do you follow the Sunshine State Standards?
YES! SSS are utilized in writing the Strategic Academic Plans each 9 weeks. Demonstration of mastery of each skill must be documented by date and evidence in the portfolio.
Is religion taught at your school?
Would you consider doing an entrance evaluation so that you could tell me where my child would fit into your program?
All students are evaluated upon entry to determine academic and behavioral abilities. This evaluation is included in the tuition fees. If you would like an evaluation before your child enters our program, the cost of that evaluation will depend on the extent of the assessment. It can include the WRAT4, BASI, curriculum based assessment, grade level assessment, a social-emotional standardized evaluation, language development, and a behavioral assessment. There are other assessments available as needed.
